Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming pair of cast resin sea turtle wall sculptures designed by the popular novelty decor brand Design Toscano. Finished in a vibrant, glossy emerald green and deep brown palette, they capture the fluid, swimming motion of Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) with integrated keyhole hangers on the flat undersides for easy wall mounting.
Story
Design Toscano began in 1990, capturing the hearts of home decorators by reproducing historical and whimsical garden sculptures. These sea turtles bring the ancient Hawaiian symbol of good luck, peace, and navigation directly into modern living spaces.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Michael and Marilyn Stopka in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Design Toscano carved out a unique niche by offering specialty statuary, historical replicas, and whimsical garden ornaments. They became famous through their thick mail-order catalogs, specializing in bringing museum-quality illusions and fantasy-themed decor to the everyday consumer.
Condition & Value
The sculptures appear to be in very good condition with bright, unfaded paint and no obvious chips to the resin. The original manufacturer stickers and barcodes are still intact on the undersides. Excellent condition like this helps secure the higher end of the value range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.